Swim Teams Will Honor Seniors During Final Home Meets of Season

Ten seniors from the men's and women's swim team will be honored this Saturday at Lambert Pool in the final home meet of the season. The women's team begins action at 1:00 pm against Michigan State. The men begin at 4:00 pm against Penn State.

Michele Labrie, Kate Leinberger, Heather Murry, Angie Troester, and Marisa Watts will be making their final appearance at Lambert Pool this season. The five seniors have been instrumental in the Boilers success this year. They have combined for eighteen first-place finishes and have provided great leadership. "When this group does something, they do it with everything they have," head coach Cathy Wright-Eger said. "As a coach, you really can tell how much they want to improve." They have helped their team beat two ranked teams, 22nd-ranked Arizona State in November and most recently 25th-ranked Miami. The Boilers have an 8-1 record in invitationals and 3-3 record in duals on the year.

The men's team holds a 7-0 record in duals and 3-0 record in invitationals and are ranked 22nd in the latest poll. Purdue has now beaten three ranked teams following a decisive win over 16th-ranked Nebraska last weekend. Larry Becker, Ross Croasdell, Jason Ozias, Frank Smardo and Mike Ullom will be making their last appearance as the Boilers look to remain undefeated. The Boilermakers have benefited from their experienced seniors all season long. The group, combined, has grabbed first-place finishes 23 times and has been a benchmark for stability. "These guys have taken where last years guys left off," head coach Dan Ross said. "They are very talented and competitive, and will do anything to win."

Ross will also have a new face on his roster this weekend. Juan Rodela, a native of Mexico and a graduate of Mission Viejo H.S. in Mission Viejo, Calif. has joined the team for the second semester. Rodela represented Mexico in the Pan-American games last summer and will provide depth for Ross in the backstroke.